Black Box ServSwitch KV1400A User manual

ServSwitch™CX Remote
USER GUIDE
contents
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NETWORK SERVICES
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Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
November 2007
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USB
PWR
TO LOCAL 1
TO LOCAL 2
KV04-REM
KV04A-REM
KV04AS-REM
KV04U-REM
KV04AU-REM
KV04AUS-REM
KV1400A
KV1401A
KV1402A
KV1403A
KV1404A

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Contents
Welcome
Introduction.................................................................................2
Server Access Module supplied items.........................................3
Optional item...............................................................................3
Installation & Operation
Connections .................................................................................4
Cable length advice ................................................................4
Connections at each SAM (local) unit....................................5
Connections at the ServSwitch CX Remote (PS/2) module ...6
Connections at the ServSwitch CX Remote USB module......7
Operation.....................................................................................9
General use .............................................................................9
Selecting and using computers ..............................................9
Locking and unlocking the system ........................................9
Special configuration
Configuration ............................................................................10
What are hotkeys? ...........................................................10
Entering, using and exiting configuration mode...........10
Password setting ...................................................................11
Mouse switching control (USB models) ...............................11
Hot plugging PS/2-style connections and mouse restoration ..12
Which restore setting do I use?.......................................12
Microsoft and Logitech -specific mouse settings ................12
Video compensation (sharpness and brightness)................13
Video skew adjustment (AS and AUS models only)............14
Miscellaneous settings..........................................................15
Performing flash upgrades .......................................................16
Further information
Getting assistance......................................................................19
Safety information ....................................................................19
Radio Frequency Energy............................................................20
FCC requirements for telephone-line equipment ...................21
Certification notice for equipment used in Canada................21
Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM) .........................................22
Instrucciones de seguridad ..............................................22
BlackBox subsidiary contact details..........................................24
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PSU
CX
Remote
SAM
SAM
PC2
PC1
AUDIO
AUDIO
KEYB/MOUSE
KEYB/MOUSE
VIDEO
VIDEO
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Welcome
Introduction
Thank you for choosing from the Black Box
ServSwitch CX Remote extender range. These
compact modules allow you to remotely control
computer systems from a remote keyboard, video
monitor, mouse and speaker set ¹. The controlling
peripherals can be situated up to 980 feet ² (300
metres) from each computer system.
Peripheral connections to each computer system
are handled by Server Access Modules (or SAMs).
The long distance link between the SAMs and
the ServSwitch CX Remote module is made via
Category 5, 5e or 6 twisted pair cabling. The
KV04(U) models allow you to make two separate
links to different remote systems.
You can also use any ServSwitch CX Remote
module together with the ServSwitch CX digital
switch in order to control many server systems.
Special circuitry within the remote module
allows you to make adjustments to the
sharpness and brightness settings to suit your
own preferences.
¹ Audio equipped (A or AS) models required
for speakers.
² Skew compensation (AS) models required
for full 980 feet (300m) lengths.
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Extender model range
ServSwitch CX Remote modules
KV04-REM 1 link up to 328 feet (100m), PS/2 keyboard and mouse, no audio, no de-skew
KV04A-REM 1 link up to 328 feet (100m), PS/2 keyboard and mouse, audio, no de-skew
KV04AS-REM 1 link up to 980 feet (300m), PS/2 keyboard and mouse, audio, de-skew
KV04U-REM 2 links up to 328 feet (100m), USB keyboard and mouse, no audio, no de-skew
KV04AU-REM 2 links up to 328 feet (100m), USB keyboard and mouse, audio, no de-skew
KV04AUS-REM 2 links up to 980 feet (300m), USB keyboard and mouse, audio, de-skew
Server Access Modules
KV1400A PS/2 keyboard and mouse, video
KV1401A USB keyboard and mouse, video
KV1402A PS/2 keyboard and mouse, video, audio
KV1403A USB keyboard and mouse, video, audio
KV1404A Sun keyboard and mouse, video, audio
ServSwitch CX Remote modules can be used
to connect to individual computer systems via
SAMs or to many computers via ServSwitch CX
digital switches
ServSwitch CX Remote
USB models allow a
second remote link

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PWR
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CX Remote module supplied items
CD-ROM
Four self-
adhesive
rubber feet
Power adapter and
country- specific
power lead
ServSwitch CX Remote USB
Dual remote links
USB keyboard and mouse connections
Available with or without audio and
skew compensation capabilities
Serial flash upgrade cable
4-way jack connector to 9-way D-type male serial connector - not pictured
Server Access Module supplied items
Video
PS/2-style mouse
PS/2-style keyboard
Audio
USB keyboard/mouse
Sun keyboard/mouse
Server Access Modules (SAMs):
PS/2 keyboard and mouse, video KV1400A
USB keyboard and mouse, video KV1401A
PS/2 keyboard and mouse, video, audio KV1402A
USB keyboard and mouse, video, audio KV1403A
Sun keyboard and mouse, video, audio KV1404A
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ServSwitch CX Remote
Single remote link
PS/2 keyboard and mouse connections
Available with or without audio and
skew compensation capabilities
Optional item

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Installation & Operation
Connections
Installation of the ServSwitch CX Remote modules is straightforward and minimal
configuration is required in most cases. Each of the (up to) two moulded SAMs
(Server Access Modules) connect directly to a computer system, while the remote
ServSwitch CX Remote module is at the other end of the twisted pair cable run(s)
and attaches to the keyboard, mouse, etc.
ServSwitch CX Remote receiver units can also be used with ServSwitch CX digital
switches to allow one or more user consoles to be placed remotely from the
central unit.
• Connections at each SAM (local) unit
• Connections at the Servswitch CX Remote (PS/2) module
• Connections at the Servswitch CX Remote USB module
Cable length advice
The ServSwitch CX Remote modules support twisted-pair structured cabling
within categories 5, 5e and 6. Of these three cable types, category 5 generally
provides the best transmission of video signals because its four pairs of
conductors are the most evenly twisted.
Category 5e and 6 cables use conductor pairs that are unevenly twisted in
order to combat interference effects encountered within higher frequency
networks. While these uneven twists work well for Ethernet signals, they
can impose problems for the video signals transceived by the ServSwitch CX
Remote modules. The SAMs send the red, green and blue video signals on
separate twisted pairs within the cable. If any of the colour signals are made to
travel slightly further or shorter distances than the others, the result is seen as
misaligned colours on screen. This is called skew and becomes more noticeable
as cable runs become longer and screen resolutions/refresh rates increase.
As an approximate guide, you should expect the following maximum cable
lengths:
Resolution ServSwitch CX Remote ServSwitch CX Remote
without de-skew with de-skew
1920 x 1200 50m 50m
1600 x 1200 100m 200m
1280 x 1024 - 300m
When used with an ServSwitch CX switch
It is possible to locate each SAM up to 50 metres from the ServSwitch CX
switch. This distance must be taken into account when planning the cable run
from the ServSwitch CX Remote to the CX switch. The total distance from any
ServSwitch CX Remote to any SAM must not exceed 980 feet (300 metres) or
less if an ServSwitch CX Remote without de-skew is used.
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REMOTE
USER
Overall maximum length between any remote user and
any host system must not exceed 300 metres (980 feet)
300 metres (980 feet)
maximum
50 metres
(160 feet)
maximum
CX R SAM SERVER
SYSTEM
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Connections at each SAM (local) unit
1 Where possible ensure that power is disconnected from the system(s) to be
connected. For SAMs with PS/2 keyboard and mouse connections, see Hot
plugging PS/2-style connections and mouse restoration.
2 For each SAM, attach its various connectors to the relevant sockets on the
computer system.
4 For each cable run, attach the cable connector to the
socket of the SAM. The other end of each cable run will
attach to the remote ServSwitch CX Remote module.
Server
Access
Module
Category 5, 5e or 6 cable
to ServSwitch CX Remote
module
Green indicator - power present
Yellow indicator - signal activity
Note: SAMs derive power from the
computer system via the USB or
keyboard connectors.
3 Lay a suitable length of category 5, 5e or 6 cabling between each computer
system/SAM and the location of the remote peripherals - see Cable length
advice.
Video
PS/2-style mouse
PS/2-style keyboard
Audio
USB keyboard/mouse
Sun keyboard/mouse
A range of different
connector combinations
are made available
across the five SAM
formats

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Connections at the ServSwitch CX Remote (PS/2) module
1 Place the CX Remote module adjacent to the remote user location.
2 Attach the video monitor, keyboard and mouse connectors to the sockets of
the CX Remote module.
3 Attach the connector of the cable run leading from the SAM to the
TO LOCAL socket of the CX Remote module.
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From mouse
From keyboard
From video monitor
CX Remote
module
4 Insert the output connector of the power supply into the socket at the front
edge of the CX Remote module labelled POWER.
5 Insert the IEC connector of the supplied power lead into the corresponding
socket of the power supply. Connect the other end of the power lead to a
nearby mains socket.
6 Where necessary, use the in-built video compensation feature to eliminate
any effects caused by the cable run. See Video compensation for details.
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5500
From
power
adapter
Category 5, 5e or 6
cable leading to the
SAM module
CX Remote
module

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PWR
TO LOCAL 1
TO LOCAL 2
Connections at the ServSwitch CX Remote USB module
1 Place the ServSwitch CX Remote USB module adjacent to the remote user
location.
2 Attach the video monitor, USB keyboard, USB mouse and speaker
connectors to the sockets of the ServSwitch CX Remote module.
3 Attach the connector of each cable run leading from the SAMs (and/or
ServSwitch CX digital switch) to the TO LOCAL 1 and TO LOCAL 2 sockets of the
ServSwitch CX Remote USB.
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From USB
mouse and
keyboard
From
speakers
From
video
monitor
ServSwitch CX
Remote USB
module
4 Insert the output connector of the power supply into the socket at the front
edge of the module labelled PWR.
5 Insert the IEC connector of the supplied power lead into the corresponding
socket of the power supply. Connect the other end of the power lead to a
nearby mains socket.
6 Where necessary, use the in-built video compensation feature to eliminate
any effects caused by the cable run. See Video compensation for details.
From
power
adapter
Category 5, 5e or 6
cables leading to the
SAM modules or CATx
switch (which are
attached to the host
computers)
ServSwitch CX
Remote USB
module
PWR
TO LOCAL 1
TO LOCAL 2
Green indicators - On when the corresponding channel is selected
Yellow indicators - On when link to SAM or ServSwitch CX switch is made
Flashing to show signal activity
Both green indicators off - ServSwitch CX Remote module is password locked
Green indicator for channel 1 flashing - Module is in flash upgrade mode (SW1 ON)
Red indicator - power present
ServSwitch CX Remote USB indicators

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1
ON
4
23
1
ON
4
23
ON
Determines configuration
of hotkeys in conjunction
with switch 3
Reserved for
future use
OFF: Normal operation
ON: Flash upgrade
Determines configuration
of hotkeys in conjunction
with switch 2
Note: When shipped, all switches are set in the OFF positions and this will
produce normal operation.
ServSwitch CX Remote module switches
Certain aspects of operation can be affected by the switches on the ServSwitch
CX Remote module.
Switch 1
OFF: Normal operation.
ON: (Before power is applied) Places the ServSwitch CX Remote module into
flash upgrade mode so that the internal software can be changed. Please
see the Flash upgrade section in the ‘Special configuration’ chapter.
Switches 2 and 3
Switches 2 and 3 determine which two keyboard keys (when pressed in unison)
are to be designated as ‘hotkeys’. Hotkeys signal to the ServSwitch CX Remote
module that the next key to be pressed is a special configuration command for
the module and is not to be passed to the computer system.
2 OFF
3 OFF Hotkeys = CTRL and SHIFT
2 OFF
3 ON Hotkeys = ALT and SHIFT
2 ON
3 OFF Hotkeys = CTRL and ALT
2 ON
3 ON Hotkeys disabled
Switch 4
This switch is reserved for future use.

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Operation
General use
In use, the ServSwitch CX Remote module should be transparent - the system
and its peripherals should operate exactly as normal, the only difference being
that they are now a long distance apart.
In some installations, you may see some ‘shadows’ to the right of high contrast
screen characters. This can be caused by an incorrectly selected sharpness setting
and it may be necessary to make adjustments to correct this. Please see Video
compensation - sharpness and brightness in the ‘Special configuration’
section.
Locking and unlocking the system
In situations where the computer systems (and their local SAMs) can be locked
away, the ServSwitch CX Remote module offers a viable security system to deter
unauthorised use. Once a password has been set, a simple key sequence allows
each system to be quickly and securely detached from the common peripherals.
Only the correct password will reconnect the remote and local modules.
To lock the system
1 First set a password. For further details, please refer to the Password
setting section in the ‘Special configuration’ chapter.
2 Simultaneously press the currently configured hotkeys (by default, and
) along with .
The screen will go blank and the three keyboard
indicators will begin alternately flashing between the
‘Num Lock’ and ‘Scroll Lock’, and ‘Caps Lock’. This
sequence indicates that a password is required.
Additionally neither of the green indicators adjacent
to the CATx connectors on the ServSwitch CX Remote module will be lit.
To unlock the system
1 Enter the correct password and press .
Note: Passwords are NOT case sensitive.
Note: If an invalid password has been entered and the keyboard indicators
are not flashing as described above, press to clear the incorrect attempt.
2 If the correct password is entered, the screen will be restored and normal
operation can continue.
Num
Lock Caps
Lock Scroll
Lock
Selecting and using computers
To select a system using the keyboard (USB models)
Use the keypress combinations (on the common keyboard) to switch between
the two computer systems. In each case, you need to simultaneously press the
currently configured hotkeys (by default, and ) together with the number
of the required system:
• System 1: Press the hotkeys (by default, and ) along with
• System 2: Press the hotkeys (by default, and ) along with
Once entered, (providing the system isn’t locked - see opposite) the remote
peripherals will be connected to the chosen system and you can begin using it
as normal.
To disconnect from systems (using the keyboard)
Press the currently configured hotkeys (by default, and ) along with
To select a system using a 3 button mouse
You can use a 3 button mouse to change between channels. A 3 button mouse
can either have three distinct buttons or alternatively be a ‘wheel mouse’ where
the central scroll wheel may be depressed.
Notes: You first need to enable mouse switching - see Mouse switching
control. When mouse switching is enabled, the click of the centre button (or
wheel) will not be passed to the host computer - the rotary action of a scroll
wheel will, however, continue as normal.
Press and hold the centre mouse button and then click the left mouse button to
change between the two channels.